In The Community

The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge supports surrounding communities in many ways.

Nature Tourism:Visitors from across the United States and foreign countries come here to the Sonoran desert to enjoy its beauty and diversity. The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Sonoran Desert National Monument offer excellent opportunities to enjoy this remarkable desert. Many visitors to these destinations stop in nearby communities to fill their tanks with gasoline or eat a good meal and some stay in nearby motels. The refuge promotes surrounding communities and encourages visitors to enjoy the many services and opportunities offered nearby.

What We Do

Important Pollinator

Feeding on the saguaro’s nectar and fruit, the endangered lesser long-nosed bat helps pollinate and spread the saguaro seed. The bats are able to reach deep into the cactus’ blossoms using their elongated, narrow snouts. Their hairy heads get covered with the pollen and as the bats fly from cactus to cactus, they transfer pollen to other saguaro blossoms – pollination occurs! For this and other reasons, lesser long-nosed bats play an extremely important role in maintaining healthy deserts.